Answer this question truthfully
### Question: Who is at highest risk for Sleep apnea ?
### Response: Gender: Sleep apnea affects adult men more often than women. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 40 percent of adult men and 24 percent of adult women are considered habitual snorers , and snoring is often associated with sleep apnea.
Metabolic Syndrome and Sleep Apnea:
Obesity: Obesity has been closely linked to OSA  in part because the extra fat around the neck can narrow the opening of the windpipe. Older obese men seem to be at higher risk since up to 40 percent of morbidly obese men in a clinical population are affected by OSA . Though it is hardly the only factor that has an effect, weight loss can alleviate some of the symptoms of OSA; losing 10 percent of body weight can reduce the number of apnea episodes throughout the night. 
Diabetes: Diabetes has also been associated with OSA independently from obesity. Studies have shown that both obese and slender people with diabetes have reported difficulty breathing while sleeping . The causal relationship, however, has not yet been established.
Hypertension: There is a definite link between hypertension and OSA. One out of every 2 people who have OSA are diagnosed with high blood pressure . The relationship between hypertension and OSA is also independent from other risk factors, including obesity.
Other risk factors: The following factors may also increase your risk for obstructive sleep apnea:
Certain shapes of the palate and jaw Large tonsils and adenoids in children Large neck or collar size Large tongue Narrow airway Nasal obstruction
In addition to these risk factors, drinking alcohol or using sedatives before sleep may exacerbate the condition and increase the likelihood of an episode of apnea.
Having a neck size over 17 inches for men and 16 inches for women is also a risk factor for sleep apnea. Moreover, having a deviated septum would cause a nasal obstruction that could lead to sleep apnea .